They exchanged their heavy woodland cloaks in Bluewater for loose-fitting shirts and riding gear. Rodrick had obtained six horses to save them having to walk through the singing heat of the day, as well as having to carry their supplies on their backs. The desert, as they entered Farwest Valley, was a stunning place; great pillars of red stone protruded from the earth and natural rocky bridges soared over canyons and the great ravine through which the road passed. It grew cold in the shadows cast from the walls above, and sometimes the wind swept over them and chilled them to the bone.
Rodrick seemed rather at home in the desert. When they emerged from the gulley and passed into the dunes he wrapped a garb around his head in a traditional style to stay the sun, and rubbed charcoal around his eyes to help with the glare that burned from the baking sands. He also now carried a sabre with a golden hilt upon his belt. In this manner, he resembled more of a tribal warrior than a monster Slayer. “The desert is your deadliest foe,” he told the party one starry night. “Accept this and embrace it.”
Soon the group was deep within the mountain range, and for two days they weaved in and out of the high slopes until Victor lost track of which way they had come and which way they were heading. They reached a plateau on the tenth day where they stopped for longer than usual. A high peak could be seen in the distance, though it seemed non-existent at times as it wavered in the heat of the day.
Rodrick pointed at it. “That is Draco’s Peak, where my journey ends and yours begins.” Everyone gathered around him now and listened intently to his words. “As you all may be aware by now, you have been selected as potential candidates to join Mr. Silver, Mr. Caesar, Miss. Ling, and myself as Slayers, the most prestigious role the academy has to offer, but as you are you are not ready for such a task. Silver has asked me to prepare you, but in my opinion nature is the best teacher. If you can survive this place for three months, I will know that you are ready; mind you, this will be gruelling and I guarantee you will not enjoy it. Anyone who wants to leave is free to do so.”
No one said a word (perhaps Victor was too stunned to say anything). Rodrick went on. “Surviving alone will not be your only task. There is something else you have to do in order to complete your training here, so listen carefully: two great beasts inhabit these mountains, one of them is evil and the other is not, it is up to you to slay the one that is evil, but if you get it wrong and slay the wrong beast you will fail the task and the journey will end. Think carefully, remember to search for The Truth when making your decision. Trust in yourselves and each other. Good luck and goodbye!”
Without another word (but with a very sly smile) Rodrick led their horses, which were still laden with supplies, back the way they had come, and as the group stood speechless, he disappeared.
ns 108.162.216.26da2